Mr. A's Italian Beef

--Got Beef? Italian Beef
a chibbqking production

As the road winds down there's still a few places to pass. Mr. A's has been on my list for a few years now however it's a pretty far drive just to try an Italian Beef. So I waited, and then waited some more for a time when I'd be near there and could give a taste test to what many from this way call the best Italian beef in McHenry County.

Locals favorite in Crystal Lake

As the sign outside points out they make their own Italian beef in-house so I had pretty high hopes for this sandwich. They came crashing down upon the opening of it. I've never seen Italian beef with the texture their sliced meat had. At first I thought there was a hair in my beef but then I saw it was just shredded in a way that made pieces look like some of it fell in I was turned off. It's dry texture didnt help turn it around. The gravy was overpowered with salty beef bouillon taste and the hot peppers weren't anything to get excited about. Was it an off day? Maybe but I got the feeling that had they not regularly served what I got they wouldn't of served it to begin with as it was very unappealing on the eyes. They've been around since the early 80's so it's possible their better days are behind them.

Beef with Hot from Mister A's Italian Beef

Rating Scale 5/5

beef: 2
bread: 4
gravy: 2
hot peppers: 3

Score: 11/20

Mr. A's Italian Beef
475 West Virginia Street
Crystal Lake, IL 60014
(815) 459-9150